Best FPL Opening Squad Targets 2026/27: Players to Prioritize
Top opening squad targets
1. Gabriel (Arsenal) - £8.0m, 5.6 xPThe standout pick with 0.70 points per million, Arsenal's defender offers elite value. His 10.08% defcon probability against Coventry City (FDR 2) at home makes him essential. Arsenal's opening fixture is dream territory for clean sheet potential, and Gabriel provides goal threat from set pieces. 2. Cherki (Man City) - £7.5m, 5.4 xP
Outstanding value at 0.72 points per million. Only 7.6% selected gives you an immediate differential advantage in a Man City attack. Home to Bournemouth (FDR 3) provides a strong opening fixture, and at £7.5m he frees up budget for premium forwards. 3. Gyökeres (Arsenal) - £7.5m, 5.4 xP
Matching Cherki's 0.72 points per million efficiency, Arsenal's new striker faces Coventry City at home. The FDR 2 fixture screams goals, and at £7.5m he's £8.0m cheaper than Haaland while offering similar expected output for gameweek one. Arsenal's attack gets a favorable start.
Value picks
Cherki (Man City) - £7.5mThe ultimate value midfielder at just 7.6% ownership. His 0.72 points per million ratio beats premium options like Saka (0.58), and he provides Man City attacking coverage at a bargain price. Invest the £2.0m savings elsewhere while banking on City's dominant home opener against Bournemouth.
Players to avoid from the start
Haaland (Man City) - £15.5mAt 69.6% ownership, everyone has him, killing any differential advantage. His 0.44 points per million is poor value compared to alternatives. With £15.5m tied up, you sacrifice squad depth. The data shows Gyökeres (5.4 xP) offers similar opening returns at £7.5m, while Gabriel and Cherki both outscore him on efficiency metrics. Build a balanced squad first; add Haaland later when fixtures turn elite.